Officiants are a KEY element to a wedding since they're the ones who not only say "you may kiss the bride" but also make your marriage LEGIT!
Q (from a bride!): I was wondering if you know whether it is possible to have a friend - just a "regular" person - officiate a wedding? If so, can you help me figure out the process and paperwork necessary? What a great question! You must have a very special person in mind to help you two say "I Do". Hawaii's law requires your officiant to be duly licensed by and in the state of Hawaii to perform the marriage ceremony. If you have a friend who would like to become ordained for your wedding ceremony, have the contact the State Dept of Health direct at 586-4545.
And FYI! Here's the step by step to file for a marriage license.
1. You and your groom must go to the Health Department Building (1250 Punchbowl St.) Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. together anytime 30 days prior to your wedding.
2. Be sure to bring TWO forms of official ID with you that has your first and last name and proof of age on it. Drivers license, passports, state IDs are all acceptable!
3. You can either download the Hawaii marriage license application (
http://hawaii.gov/health/vital-records/vital-records/marriage/index.html) or fill one out when you arrive that day. Beware, you will need to know your Mom and Dad's maiden AND middle names, along with your officiants full name! Applications MUST be filed in person with both bride and groom present. Applications will be denied if they come by mail or email.
4. A marriage license agent will check over your IDs, make sure you fill out your application correctly and make you take an "oath" swearing that all information provided is legal.
5. Your marriage license fee is $60 - CASH! No checks or credit cards are accepted! Nearest ATM is down the block.
6. You'll receive a filled out application stamped by the Health Department marriage license agent in a yellow envelope. This is the ACTUAL license so hold onto it tight! Your officiant will have you fill out the rest AFTER your ceremony and take care of sending it in to make your marriage official. NOTE :: The marriage license is only good in the State of Hawaii and expires 30 days from the issuance date.
Need an officiant? Check out my favorite site...
www.aliceinoue.com to view a list of Hawaii wedding officiants who will happily... MARRY ME.
